The Cancellation of SXSW Initiates Local Businesses to Launch Fundraiser to Provide Financial Relief for Those Affected

Photo by Emily Ferris

The cancellation of SXSW was declared by Austin’s Mayor Steve Adler on Friday due to coronavirus concerns and has raised frustrations for not only concert-goers, but especially artists, vendors, hospitality workers and freelancers who rely on the event to survive. SXSW being cancelled has affected many, and the financial impact it will have is vast.

In response to the many concerns displayed due to the cancellation, The Red River Cultural District, which represents live music venues Cheer Up Charlies, Barracuda, Beerland, Empire, Elysium, Mohawk, Scratchhouse, Stubb’s, Swan Dive and The Venue ATX along with promoters Heard Presents, Margin Walker, Austin-based software startup Prism.FM and a growing list of Austin-based businesses and individuals are “Banding Together” in support of those most affected.

The fundraiser is aimed towards providing financial relief to artists, workers and partners who have been greatly been affected. The venues and staff are working to put artists on replacement showcases.

Anyone who was negatively impacted by the cancellation of SXSW can fill out a form here and someone from the initiative’s team will reach out.

Donations to the Band Together fundraiser are also accepted via their Go Fund Me page.

 

Annalise Hughes: Originally from Los Angeles, Annie currently lives in Austin, TX. She is a writer, guitar player, belly dancer, traveler and big time music enthusiast. She studied journalism and psychology at Texas State University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2018. In the past, she ran a live music blog and covered her experiences at some of the biggest music festivals in the country, such as ACL, Coachella and SXSW. In her free time, she finds herself creating and adding to her hundreds of playlists on Spotify. She is now a music reporter for mxdwn and really excited to discover where the road ahead leads her!
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